Organic Free Range Human Thoughts

Big Left
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Life is real. Business is real life. And b******t advice doesn’t apply. This is a business podcast that actually goes there—into growth, leadership, risk, and the parts no one wants to talk about without dressing it up in artificial, polished nonsense. Hosted by James Ellis, owner of Big Left—armed with more degrees than ABCs and a level of experience we’d die of old age trying to list—and Tabitha Starr, owner of Slight Look, MBA (currently residing on the floor of her closet), and proud former member of the dark side of business. This is a business podcast like no other. Leaders and entrepreneurs—gird your loins.

  1. 20h ago

    This Is Definitely Not Financial Advice

    What do Beanie Babies, Bitcoin, trad wives, roadside gumbo, and a suspicious gas station have in common? Apparently... this episode. We start by joking about launching a spiritually themed cryptocurrency (please don't), then somehow end up debating whether money is real, why people keep chasing the next big thing, and how "debt" magically becomes "leverage" once you're rich. From Bitcoin and cryptocurrency to crypto scams, NFTs, digital currency, and the psychology behind investing, we unpack the trends shaping today's financial conversations with plenty of laughs along the way. Somewhere along the way: We accidentally invent Soul Coin.James questions all of modern finance.Tabitha becomes suspicious of an entire gas station.Nobody gives financial advice.It's chaotic. It's surprisingly educational. And you'll probably never look at cryptocurrency or Beanie Babies the same way again.

  2. Jul 21

    Business Lessons from Netflix's Shipwreck: Nightmare at Sea

    This week, we're taking a very different approach to Netflix's Shipwreck: Nightmare at Sea and the tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia on January 13, 2012. This isn't a documentary review. It's a business autopsy. We're looking at what went wrong through the lens of leadership, organizational culture, crisis management, decision-making, incentives, communication failures, and plain old human behavior. Why did people make the decisions they made? Who was trying to protect their job? Where did the company fail? Which leaders stepped up—and which ones absolutely did not? Fair warning: we tackle serious topics with a healthy dose of dark humor. You'll hear us laugh, crack jokes, and occasionally ask questions like, "Why the hell did the captain never tell people to abandon ship?" That's not because we find the tragedy funny. We don't. Thirty-two people lost their lives, and our hearts genuinely go out to the victims, their families, and everyone whose lives were forever changed by what happened aboard the Costa Concordia. Our humor comes from the absurdity of the organizational failures—not the human loss. If that style isn't for you, that's completely okay. Skip this episode and check out another one. We'd rather you enjoy the podcast than spend an hour being annoyed by us. But if you've ever wondered how two people with decades of business, leadership, and organizational experience watch a disaster like this and immediately start dissecting every catastrophic professional decision that led to it, you're going to have a great time. Because when you zoom out, this wasn't just a shipwreck. It was one of the most spectacular business and leadership failures imaginable. And you can always follow James at https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ and visit his website at http://bigleft.com You can find Tabitha at  https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ and visit her website at http://slightlook.com

  3. Jul 13

    When Is Help Worth It? Small Business 101

    When is an investment actually worth it? In this episode, James and Tabitha tackle one of the hardest questions every entrepreneur faces: when should you do it yourself, when should you hire help, and how do you know if the cost is actually justified? From AI tools and bookkeeping to websites, consultants, strategic roadmaps, and even car repairs, they break down the real cost-benefit analysis behind buying back your time, protecting your energy, and focusing on the work that actually grows your business. They also discuss why not every course, coach, or investment is worth the price—and how to separate smart business decisions from expensive distractions. Whether you're bootstrapping a startup, scaling a business, or deciding if it's finally time to outsource, this episode offers practical insights into making confident investment decisions that maximize your time, money, and long-term growth. And as promised here is the Research Blog Tabitha can’t get enough of Why Surface-Level Answers Miss the Point And you can always follow James at https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ and visit his website at http://bigleft.com You can find Tabitha at  https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ and visit her website at http://slightlook.com

  4. Jul 7

    Work Life Balance: Reality Check

    Feeling overwhelmed by the myth of the work-life balance and keeping your sanity? This episode is your chaos guide to managing chaos without losing your mind—packed with humor, real stories, and surprisingly practical tips for life on the go. Whether you're relocating for a new chapter or navigating the mess of everyday unpredictability, you'll discover strategies to stay productive, set boundaries, and find joy in the chaos. Join James and Tabitha as they share candid, hilarious insights on how to juggle family, work, and your own sanity when life throws a moving truck, a pile of books, or a last-minute project your way. From the emotional rollercoaster of packing up your life while working remotely, to managing the external pressures of neighbors, clients, and your own expectations, this episode offers a fresh perspective on handling life's biggest disarrays. James: https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ Website: http://bigleft.com Tabitha: https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ Website: http://slightlook.com

  5. Jun 29

    Doomjobbing & Other Modern Nightmares

    James and Tabitha dig into the bleak comedy of modern work: doom jobbing, fake job posts, AI-filtered applications, and the emotional spiral of trying to feel productive in a job market that often feels rigged. From there, they widen the lens to rising costs, shrinkflation, and the strange experience of explaining today’s economy to a 96-year-old grandma. The conversation takes a turn into better business ideas — open-ended hiring, beginner’s mind, personality-driven websites, and why “boring” businesses might actually be the most interesting ones. Along the way, they explore septic systems, funeral homes, sustainable growth, and why chasing hypergrowth can become the worst thing that ever happens to a company. Curious to read the blog mentioned in this video? Hypergrowth Destroys More Companies Than Competition Does

  6. Jun 22

    Is Your Business Idea Worth a Damn?

    Is Your Idea Worth a Damn? Today, we explore one that just might be.  In a world where AI is rapidly replacing jobs, how can humans still stand out?  Join us as we dive into the future of recruitment, questioning whether a high-touch, human-centric approach could be the key to success?? Discover why traditional AI tactics are failing and how personal touch and strategic relationships could unlock new opportunities.  This episode is perfect for entrepreneurs, job seekers, and companies eager to find quality talent beyond algorithms. Tune in to redefine how humans and machines collaborate in the workforce. And you can always follow James at https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ and visit his website at http://bigleft.com You can find Tabitha at  https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ and visit her website at http://slightlook.com

  7. Jun 15

    The Invasive Truth About AI in Everyday Life and Why It Involves Martha Stewart's New AI Company

    Most of us are unwittingly handing over our most private data to AI-driven apps that promise convenience but pose serious risks. Imagine an AI that not only manages your household chores but also reads your mail, analyzes your dirt, and knows everything about your home, even the mineral rights underneath it. It’s both a tech marvel and a privacy nightmare in the making. Tabitha and James peel back the curtain on Martha Stewart’s latest AI venture, Hint. Here’s the truth most tech enthusiasts overlook: the real benefit of AI is data collection. If you value your privacy, your sanity, and your digital freedoms, this episode is essential listening. You’ll learn how to spot the warning signs of invasive tech, understand the subtle power dynamics shaping online communities, and think critically about what you’re really giving away, before it’s too late. Perfect for skeptics, privacy advocates, and anyone curious about the real costs behind the convenience of AI home assistants. Expect shocking insights, dark humor, and practical takeaways, because understanding these risks is the first step to smarter, safer tech use. James: https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ Website: http://bigleft.com Tabitha:https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ Website:http://slightlook.com

  8. Jun 8

    How Recession Core Fashion Reflects Society’s Return to Scarcity and Survival

    Most of our everyday routines, unless we’re aware, are just rewired versions of trends from decades past, and the current cycle is speeding up fast. From fashion come-backs like Y2K styles and tiny eyebrows, to economic shifts that seem to echo the reckless gambling of the 90s, this episode pulls back the curtain on how cyclical behaviors and societal patterns are accelerating in our modern age. Join us as they unpack the surprising ways history repeats itself in fashion, finance, and even food. You'll discover how "recession core" fashion reflects a desire for simplicity amidst economic chaos, why the obsession with micro-management like microblading is a cost-saving tactic, and the real story behind the rise of gambling-style investing and its implications for your money. We break down how companies are adjusting their marketing strategies, like McDonald’s bundling high-protein, low-carb options, and how this reflects our shared effort to stretch every dollar in a squeezed economy. You'll also explore the psychological and cultural shifts fueling behaviors like nostalgia-driven fashion, the resurgence of thin eyebrows, and the obsession with body types tied to the Ozempic craze. Plus, why long-term relationships with clients beat chasing fleeting gigs in business, and how cyclical economic crashes are just speeding up, making understanding these patterns vital for survival and opportunity in today’s world. This episode is essential listening if you want to decode the hidden signals in society’s rehashed trends and learn how to position yourself ahead of the next cycle. Whether it’s fashion, finance, or personal resilience, understanding the accelerated rhythm of history can help you navigate chaos with confidence and even find opportunities others overlook. Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, or anyone trying to make sense of today’s fast-changing world, this is the conversation that reveals how past behaviors shape future chaos, and how you can turn the cycle to your advantage. James: https://www.instagram.com/big.left.consulting/ Website: http://bigleft.com Tabitha: https://www.instagram.com/slight.look.official/ Website: http://slightlook.com

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About

Life is real. Business is real life. And b******t advice doesn’t apply. This is a business podcast that actually goes there—into growth, leadership, risk, and the parts no one wants to talk about without dressing it up in artificial, polished nonsense. Hosted by James Ellis, owner of Big Left—armed with more degrees than ABCs and a level of experience we’d die of old age trying to list—and Tabitha Starr, owner of Slight Look, MBA (currently residing on the floor of her closet), and proud former member of the dark side of business. This is a business podcast like no other. Leaders and entrepreneurs—gird your loins.

Information

  • Creator
    Big Left
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Big Left